As a girl, she had money and some of the good things it brings; such as education and breeding." There is a hint of jealousy and even more palpable contempt written between the lines of this passage, especially with the author's inclusion of the word "breeding." Breeding is generally something only the upper-classes thinks exists, especially in the egalitarian world of the American pioneer. Ellis goes on to praise her skill as a dressmaker, and does not let the difference in their upbringings affect her perception or description of this woman, but one detects a wistfulness in her tone that even she may not be aware of.
Though Ellis' true story takes place in a Colorado mining town and portrays a presumably accurate picture of life the way it was in that place and time, this text is more a personal narrative and less a useful historical document. In four pages, Ellis takes us from one Christmas to another, highlighting the important events in her own life but not touching on the world outside her own experience....
Like Ellis, this book stands for nothing but what it is, and it does not hint at things beyond its scope. History necessarily draws conclusion and inferences where hard, observable facts cannot be found. Ellis and her autobiography resist that.
Likewise, both attempt to be objective and unbiased in their description. There is no arrogance to the tone of the novel; no "holier-than-thou" dimension to the suffering Ellis endures. Likewise, there is no false modesty and no great humility. Anne Ellis sees herself, and describes herself, as the ordinary woman of her title. Her book stands as a frank and honest description of her life; she leaves it up to the reader to glean meaning and draw conclusions from her story.
Bibliography
Ellis, Anne. The Life of an Ordinary Woman. New York: Mariner Books, 1999.
Anne Ellis, The Life of an Ordinary Woman (New York: Mariner Books, 1999), 2.
